Syracuse, N.Y. — For recent Syracuse commit Troy Henderson, there was one clear variable that pushed the Orange ahead of other finalists Nebraska and Rutgers in his recruitment: Clark Lea.

Henderson raved about the SU linebackers coach in an interview on Thursday, in which he detailed his decision as well as his mindset heading into his senior season at St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) High School.

"The relationship me and him have is just better than the ones I had with the other two linebackers coaches," Henderson said. "He's just a person that I want to be around. He just seems like he was the right guy for me."

Henderson, who committed to the Orange on Tuesday, originally planned to announce his commitment on July 4. Then Nebraska offered and he pushed his decision back two weeks.

But now it is official. He is one of three linebackers in SU's Class of 2015, along with Shyheim Cullen and Doyle Grimes, and said he does not plan on looking at other offers.

"Everybody was very close," Henderson said. "I chose Syracuse by a percentage. It was real close because I did build a good relationship with both of those schools.

"Even though Nebraska offered me late, I was in contact with them throughout the whole process. So it was a very hard decision to me, but right now I still feel like I made the best decision for my family."

Henderson described himself as a complete linebacker. He's played inside and outside, but expects to play his senior season in the middle of St. Edward's 4-3 defense with last year's starter having graduated.

On an individual level, he said he only has one main goal for his the season.

"I want to make more game-changing plays, like causing more fumbles and interceptions," Henderson said.

He hopes that with continued hard work and a strong freshman season at Syracuse, he can compete to start as a sophomore.